Jewish Kids Rock and Jewish Chicks Rock ( Arts Based Programs, Gender-Specific Programs, Experiential Education Programs)

City: Worldwide, (Based in Brooklyn, but programs available around the globe)
Contact info: Naomi Less, Founder: naomiless@gmail.com; 917-318-9153
Website: www.jewishchicksrock.org/rockprograms
Year established: 2011
Category: Arts Based Programs, Gender-Specific Programs, Experiential Education Programs

What are the goals of the program?

• For both programs, band coaches (madrichim) promote hands-on work, even for kids with little to no previous instrument experience.  Philosophy: Jewish kids rock, in attitude, self-presentation, and talent.  JKRock builds a collaborative Jewish learning atmosphere where kids are encouraged to place their voices and opinions in the center, to take (safe) risks and to support each other in experimentation.  

How is the Program structured?

• The program can be structured as a kick off program intensive (day-long) and then sustained over 6-8 weeks with a performative rock show at the end.  Or it can be built as an alternative winter/spring/Pesach/presidents day/MLK weekend intensive program over 3 days.  Naomi and her team kick off the program and train local band coaches to sustain the program.  

What was the genesis of the program and what need was it meant to serve?

• This program was built off the success of the Girls Rock Camp movement in which Naomi is a long-time volunteer.  It is the perfect hybrid of social/emotional intelligence development and artistic expression with Judaic literacy development.

What are the key elements and underlying principles of the program? 

• This methodology takes into account the work of Dr.s David Bryfman and Joe Reimer's article on Jewish experiential learning - that to fit that definition, you need to nurture socialization, recreation and challenge.  Forming a band creates group norms, morries and dynamics - socialization; it is FUN to rock out in an informal setting - recreation; and it is challenging to create together, collaboratively, learning different ways to come to group agreement, as well as to work towards mastery of a sound and Jewish concepts.